2018 Ford Fusion
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 730 |
| 2007 | 1064 |
| 2008 | 1353 |
| 2009 | 1021 |
| 2010 | 5126 |
| 2011 | 2783 |
| 2012 | 2513 |
| 2013 | 1786 |
| 2014 | 1328 |
| 2015 | 989 |
| 2016 | 1607 |
| 2017 | 1105 |
| 2018 | 436 |
| 2019 | 309 |
| 2020 | 178 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
46% of complaints: engine — 201 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
There is a known coolant intrusion into the engine that caused the engine to suddenly only go to a certain speed while on the freeway. It could have caused an accident on the freeway by suddenly going at such a slow speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
25% of complaints: power train — 109 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Terrible car, after long thinking about it the last accident in this car I think was caused from the transmission literally as soon as I put it in reverse it acted as if I was accelerating and proceeded out of the parking spot a little bit, another...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240220
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 87 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve) and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
6% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and high tension/spark plug wires.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Son was driving 20 mph and Vehicle acted like it shut off, door chime started dinging, steering and brakes locked up and my son crashed into a group of trees, totaling the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220824
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 22 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Campaign 18V167000 — check if this car was fixed
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Campaign 23V162000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Ford Fusion — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (201 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (109 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (87 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V167000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V162000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford Fusion is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Fusion have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.